When flying commercially, passengers may need to take a long journey to get to the airport. Particularly when traveling across such a large country as the US, it may take hours of driving or taking various other forms of public transport before the airborne leg of the journey even begins. In such cases, passengers may want to stay overnight near the airport to avoid ‘roughing it’ on the plane or in the terminal, yet remain close enough to catch their flight the next day with minimal fuss.
This is where hotels built either on or connected to the terminal can shine, as when the time comes to prepare for boarding, there’s no need to fire up Google Maps and begin finding a route to the airport. As a recent CNBC article investigated, more and more hotels are partnering with US-based airports to provide this convenience to airport customers. Being nearby or having a dedicated shuttle service was not good enough for this list.
We looked at 10 US-based airport hotels that are either inside the airport terminal or directly connected via a walkway.
Photo: Miami International Airport Hotel
1 Miami International Airport Hotel
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Located inside Miami International Airport grounds, this hotel boasts some attractive amenities, such as soundproofed rooms, and meeting and event venues. For work and entertainment, the hotel offers complimentary wireless internet. It also has pet-friendly options for furry family members tagging along. The hotel is right across from airline ticket counters and terminals so you won’t be rushed when it’s time to depart.
The hotel also offers bus, metro, taxi, and rental car services, so there are many ways to get around and explore Miami and South Beach’s many picturesque shopping destinations and tourist attractions. For dining, you are only steps away from the Air Margaritaville Restaurant and Viena, among the various restaurants in Miami International Airport that offer delicious alternatives.
Photo: TWA Hotel
2 TWA Hotel
New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Another in-terminal option is the TWA Hotel, which features unique styling that the hotel has been designated a city landmark. Like a set from a Thunderbirds episode, the futuristic sweeps and bold red and cream highlights make visitors feel like they are part of something new and interesting. Upgraded Points reviewed the hotel and found that it featured eight restaurants and bars, catering to everything from fast, casual visits to fine dining.
Directly connected to terminal five of New York John F. Kennedy International Airport , passengers can access all AirTrains routes (the airport’s internal train service) to visit other terminals easily. Bring your swimming trunks if visiting here, as the hotel has a stunning rooftop infinity pool that overlooks the airstrips.
Related 5 Facts About The TWA Hotel At New York-JFK Airport Once an airport terminal at the pinnacle of the jet age, is now a glamorous hotel reminiscent of the iconic airline.
Photo: Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts
3 InterContinental Minneapolis
Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is one of the 20 busiest airports in the US, but it is also the fourth oldest, as reported in our article by Sruti earlier this year. This high-end hotel is another in-airport option, featuring three contemporary restaurants, a luxury spa, and an indoor pool. With direct access to terminal one and access to a 24-hour shuttle, it is very easy to get around within the airport. This hotel is another pet-friendly hotel and boasts the inclusion of a fitness center. The website does mention that it is a smoke-free hotel, so keep that in mind if your relaxation typically includes tobacco.
Photo: Westin Marriott
4 The Westin Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Featuring soundproofed rooms, and stellar views of either the runway or mountains, this four-star hotel is a little pricier than most. However, its luxurious amenities should be worth the added cost. Connected to the Jeppesen terminal of Denver International Airport , the hotel has easy access to popular ski areas, downtown Denver and Central Park. As seen on their site, the hotel features a fitness studio, a heated indoor pool, a Grill & Vine restaurant, a Starbucks café, and a Sky Lounge bar. For those doing business on the fly, there is a huge office area with large meeting rooms and printing facilities.
Marriott owns Westin hotels, and handily for airport customers, Marriott has compiled a searchable global list of airport-integrated hotels under their brand. Peruse the list here, and see if your next connection has an attached Marriott hotel.
Photo: Westin Marriott
5 The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Another four-star Westin, but located within Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport , this hotel is located within the McNamara terminal. Typical of the Westin brand, it has luxuries similar to those of its DEN counterpart above. Similarly, the rooms contain flat-screen TVs, and upgraded rooms can also view the apron, and some feature a kitchenette. The airport shuttle service provides easy access to other terminals, and exploration will reveal an indoor pool, fitness center, and spacious atrium. When it comes to departing, a private airport security line is directly accessible from the hotel lobby, isolating customers from the typical check-in process.
Photo: Marriott
6 Tampa Airport Marriott
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
This three-star hotel is directly connected to Tampa International Airport , and ticks all the boxes for a good airport hotel. The soundproofed rooms contain flat-screen TVs, a desk and coffee maker. Other features include an outdoor pool, Club Lounge for faster dining, a restaurant, bar, breakfast café, coffee bar, 24-hour gym and business center.
An airport shuttle allows passengers to easily get to other terminals. Still, the most convenient offering may be the day rooms, which are available from 10:00 to 19:00. These allow passengers to rest without committing to a full night of hospitality at the hotel, which is great for unexpected flight changes or relaxing during a long gap between flights.
Photo: Hyatt
7 The Grand Hyatt at SFO
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
The newest airport hotel on this list, the Grand Hyatt hotel opened at San Francisco International Airport in 2019. The hotel is located on airport property, and is directly connected to all terminals. It even features its own AirTrain station, offering unbeatable convenience for getting around the airport. It has many dining options, including two eateries, an all-day restaurant, and a bar.
There is some exclusivity to getting the most out of this four-star hotel, as it is category five on the World of Hyatt rating, making it inaccessible to credit card holders of category one through four. Cash rates are available, however, at $200-600 per night. According to Booking.com, the hotel is particularly highly rated by solo travelers, with these passengers rating it a 9.4/10 on average.
Photo: Hyatt
8 The Grand Hyatt at DFW
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Another four-star category-five Grand Hyatt hotel is located in terminal D of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport . Like its counterpart above, the hotel has a dedicated Skylink station. It also has soundproof rooms with views of the apron, 3 eateries with gourmet options, and a sushi bar. Passengers can use the 24-hour gym, enjoy treatment at the spa, or swim in the on-site pool. A business center and event space are also available for busy business people. This hotel is a little cheaper than the Grand Hyatt at SFO, costing between $150 to $550.
Photo: Hyatt
9 Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport Hotel
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Located within the main terminal of Orlando International Airport , this hotel may have the others beaten for TV size, with a huge 65-inch flatscreen in each of the soundproofed rooms. Balconies and runway views also add to the ambiance, and the outdoor heated swimming pool pictured above is an incredible sight. Passengers may also enjoy the rooftop, a gym and great dining options on-site. Only an escalator ride from the airport security checkpoints, the hotel is great for convenience.
This hotel is a category four on the World of Hyatt points scale, allowing some passengers to stay for free. Cash rates are between $150 and $400 per night. Day tickets are also available, allowing passengers to use all the amenities for as little as $109.
Photo: Hilton
10 Hilton Boston Logan Airport
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Finally, the Hilton at Boston Logan International Airport is connected via sky bridge to the airport. There is also a 24-hour complimentary shuttle service to help passengers get to their destination. AAA Four Diamond amenities include full-service restaurant dining, room service, a café, a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool and digital key capabilities for the soundproofed rooms. Meeting rooms and a business center can also be used, and downtown Boston is only four miles away. The shuttle covers all terminals, the subway, water taxis, and car rentals. As seen on their site, pet-friendly rooms and a concierge service are also available.
Smoothing out those travel plan wrinkles
In summary, these hotels have a lot to offer, whether the number one priority is value, convenience, or luxury. However, many more hotels out there can fulfill these needs, and more are being built. By taking advantage of these offerings, one might not need to break the bank to avoid sleeping in the airport during a long layover. The added convenience for passengers may also serve to bolster the aviation industry, as fliers need not seek accommodation elsewhere. For passengers, my advice is to plan accordingly and use these integrated hotels when possible, ensuring that you arrive stress-free and rested after your next long-distance flight.